Ayla stood watching the darkness long after Mardan disappeared into it, her heart hammering and her cheeks wet with unrestrained tears. She realized how foolish she had been for so long. She understood why he felt so betrayed and she recognized how dangerous the situation was that she permitted to continue for reasons quite beyond her understanding. Had Nayina confided in her that such happenings were occurring to her, Ayla would instantly have put an end to it through any means possible, yet she realized that she had not given anyone who cared about her the opportunity to end the dangerous situation maligning her.
Why?
As she closed the door and stepped back into the interior, her thoughts became more introspective. What was this fascination she had with her tormentor? Why was she so pe
